Master of Pharmacy

Purpose

The qualification aims to provide opportunities in the field of Pharmaceutics or Pharmacology. Learners identify a problem warranting investigation, describe their meta-theoretical paradigm, and then select a methodological approach to their research and report their findings in a Master's dissertation. Topics for research are decided in collaboration with the research supervisor and require faculty approval as well as ethical clearance before the research is undertaken. Learners of the qualification contribute towards leading the advancement of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Rationale

The qualification is well aligned to the national priority of providing improved levels of health and well-being, specifically through postgraduate academic and research related qualifications aimed at providing professionals trained at advanced levels of health services provision. Typical learners who enrol in this qualification are already qualified Pharmacists and are seeking further specialisation in the fields of Pharmaceutics or Pharmacology. Learners graduating in Pharmaceutics will have specialised in the formulation of drugs for optimal delivery, and those in pharmacology will have specialised in studying the physiological and biochemical effects of drugs.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be used to access the qualification where the undergraduate qualification obtained does not relate directly to the disciplinary area, but where a multi-disciplinary approach can be applied. Appropriate assessment tasks and tools are designed to assess individual learners against the admission requirements on a case-by-case basis, with detailed records maintained. The institution has trained RPL in various disciplinary fields to facilitate this process.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Pharmacy, NQF, Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory module, 90 Credits

• Mini-Dissertation (Pharmacy), 90 Credits.

Elective Module, 90 Credits (Select one)

• Advanced Clinical Pharmacy Practice, 90 Credits.
• Advanced Radiopharmacy Practice, 90 Credits.
• Medicine supply management practice, 90 Credits.
• Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic applications, 90 Credits.
• Pharmaceutical science practice, 90 Credits.
• Industrial pharmacy practice, 90 Credits.

1. Apply the principles of the research process, interpret data, and write a research report or technical project or a series of smaller projects demonstrating innovation or professional expertise.
2. Integrate theory with practice through the application of theoretical knowledge to highly complex problems in a wide range of professional contexts within choice of specialisation.
3. Develop learning strategies, which sustain independent learning and academic and professional development.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria are assessed in an integrated manner across all Exit Level Outcomes

• Perform research leading to the submission, assessment, and acceptance of a research component comprising a mini dissertation or another form or research that is commensurate with the nature of the discipline or field and the specific area of enquiry.
• Integrate theory with practice through the application of theoretical knowledge to highly complex problems in a wide range of professional contexts in pharmacy.
• Use problem-solving techniques, which draw on her or his multi-faceted knowledge, in order to solve problems.
• communicate efficiently and effectively with patients and other health care workers as a team.
• Conduct all research with due regard for the moral, legal, and ethical accountability and requirements of the profession.
• Show respect for patients and colleagues that encompasses, without prejudice, diversity of background and opportunity, language, culture, and way of life.
• Consider both the impact of health care on the environment as well as the impact of the environment on health.
• Use appropriate strategies for learning that will prepare him or her for continued professional development throughout life, both as a specialist pharmacist and as a responsible citizen.
• Acknowledge responsibility for continuing professional development (CPD) in order to keep up to date with new developments and to maintain accreditation and meet statutory CPD requirements.
• Identify personal limitations and develops the capacity of self-audit and participates in the peer review process, showing a willingness to seek help when necessary.

Integrated Assessment

Learning and assessment are integrated throughout this qualification. Continuous formative feedback is provided to learners on their progress towards the achievement of specific learning outcomes, particularly in their project proposal and through interactions such as seminar presentations, discussions, and supervision. Summative assessment is concerned with the judgement of the learning in relation to the exit level outcomes of the qualification. Such judgement includes integrated assessment, which assesses the learners' ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, competencies, and attitudes that are represented by the exit-level outcomes of the qualification.